Eco-Cultural Analysis on Barong Lodok, Manggarai Indonesia

Abstract

In past (ancient) traditional farming communities many rituals were associated with traditional farming activities. Today, in Indonesia most of these practices have been lost due to modernization and mobilization of life. This paper explores the ecological and socio-cultural dimensions of the traditional farming-related cultural ritual barong lodok among the many agricultural rituals in Indonesia. The ritual has relevance to agricultural practices and nature conservation as well as harmonious social practices in community life. This study shows that the traditional Manggarai people of Indonesia have a unique way of managing the natural environment through traditional agriculture, and is different from other Indonesian agricultural cultural rituals. This paper seeks to find out how the barong lodok ritual is practiced among many other agricultural rituals in Indonesia. The barong lodok ritual is performed every year as a way of managing agriculture as well as nature conservation. The purpose of this paper is to explain the traditional agricultural cultural customs involved in traditional farming systems and how they manage their farms while also conserving nature. A qualitative research approach was used in this study. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews and participatory observation. Ten participants as samples who have knowledge about barong lodok ritual practice. This research is important because it can provide insightful information about the barong lodok ritual in Manggarai Indonesia. This study found that the barong lodok ritual which is a traditional agricultural culture is part of one of the ways of nature conservation through traditional agriculture.